Obituary: Homer Ogden Moore

With thankful yet heavy hearts, the family of Homer Ogden Moore acknowledges Godís merciful release of their loved one from his painful human bonds to his glorious heavenly reward.

His final chores are finished. The cows are milked and bedded, the crops are planted and the machinery has been put away until harvest. The work is done and the time for rest has come.

At 1 a.m. on Monday, September 17, 2012 with family at his side, he passed peacefully from this life into the next at home, on the farm his grandfather homesteaded, and where Homer was born just one month shy of ninety five years ago. He had farmed the same land his grandfather Bradley and father Chester had farmed before him for seventy six years, since his graduation from Coldwater High School in the Class of 1937.

A funeral service will be held Friday, September 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Rev. George Cecil of Cornerstone Church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Girard. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 2 - 4:00 and 6- 8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.

Homer was born October 17, 1917 to Chester C. and Bessie Buys Moore.

He was a member of Centennial Farms of Michigan since 1972, and the Branch County Historical Society. A 4-H leader for thirty seven years, a past 4-H Fair board member and director from 1946 to 1961, he continued until his death to be a supporter of the 4-H Fair in Branch County. As a young man he was renowned for his sheep shearing skills.

Homer was a member of the Branch County Farm Bureau for forty five years, and a past Farm Bureau Oil Company board member. He served on the Butler Township Board of Review for many years, was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, and a member of the Girard United Methodist Church. He always had time for young people and family, and reveled in godís beauty at the birds, the snow and the seasons. A man of compliments and not complaints, he loved everything God made. Proverbs 12:10, "A righteous man cares for his animals" was the pattern he used in his care of all Godís creatures. His was a sensitive appreciation of beauty. He loved woodworking and mechanics, and work was a pleasure to him. He was an encourager and a great listener who loved unconditionally, and saw the beauty in another rather than the blemish.

On November 11, 1943 he married Edna Eggleston with whom he had two sons, Bradley C. and Michael E. Moore. Edna preceded him in death November 2, 1962 and he found himself alone with two young sons. It is not good for man to be alone and he was honored to take Mary L. (Smith) Victor into his heart and his home. They were married October 1, 1966 and he gained a daughter, Patricia, and a third son, Wayne Victor.

Page 2 of 2 - In addition to his parents, Chester and Bess Moore and his first wife Edna, he was preceded in death by his only sister, Grace (Mrs. Ray) Ely.

And those who called him Great Grandpa or "Poppa" are Brennan and Braeden McKee, Madelyn and Dalton Moore, Zane and Gage Bowling, Noah and Ella Erickson, Sophia, Hayden and Landon Lemieux, Jack and Harry Kempf, Austin and Cameron Victor.

Homer is also survived by his cousin June (Wilkinson) Tews, his nephews Lane, Graham, Creston and Benson Ely and their families.

Memorials may be directed to the Girard United Methodist Church or Branch County Fair.